Expert talks aquaculture at major conference

A leading Charles Darwin University (CDU) academic in aquaculture has shared his expertise at a prestigious event at one of the world’s most prolific global centres for technology and innovation.

CDU Professor of Tropical Aquaculture Sunil Kadri recently presented at F3 Future of Fish Feed in Silicon Valley in the United States, a gathering facilitated by the Anthropocene Institute, which aims to move forward on the replacement of capture-fishery based ingredients in aquaculture feeds.

The 2024 event focused on krill replacements and featured the latest industry advances shaping the future of “fish-free” feed.

Professor Kadri took part in a presentation and panel discussion titled ‘Moving the Needle on F3: The Latest Advances in Feed and Nutrition’, speaking alongside Dr Yang Wang from Zhejiang University, Dr Delbert M. Gatlin from Texas A&M University, and Dr Ewen McLean from Cognoscenti LLC.

Professor Kadri, who is part of CDU’s Research Institute for Northern Agriculture, spoke about his plans around modulating the fish gut microbiome to improve digestion of plant ingredients while maintaining fish performance.

He also discussed work being done by RINA’s Professor Beth Penrose on sustainability of aquaculture feeds.

It was Professor Kadri’s third time attending the invites-only conference, which was said to have about two millennia worth of professional experience collectively attending, making it a rare opportunity for minds to come together to discuss this field.

“It was a unique gathering of investors, industry and academics all talking on the one topic,” Professor Kadri said.

“Seafood demand is increasing all the time and in order for us to keep up with demand, we need to be able to provide the right proteins and oils in aquaculture feeds for the fish to grow and be healthy as well as provide us with good nutrition.”

The event was attended by industry leaders, retailers, investors, academics and more from more than 20 countries and six continents.

Professor Kadri’s presentation is available to view online.

This story was originally published in CDU Uni News August 2024 edition